Ottawa, Canada.- Last January, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RPMC) approved the use of the hijab for its female members who request it, even if seven months later, it has still not received any requests.

Officially, it's a move that demonstrates the progressive and inclusive nature of the police department, which values ​​and respects people of all cultural and religious backgrounds, said spokesman Scott Bardsley.

But the wave of retirements facing this world-renowned police force, which is also affected by low salaries, also has an influence.

The hijab is a black veil which covers the head of women of Islamic faith, the wearing of which must be requested from the RPMC commissioner according to an instruction in force since last January and which has barely been made public.

Only the commissioner can authorize its use, Julio Gagnon, a police officer, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), adding that it aims to reflect the diversity of the operational force.

Additionally, it is being reviewed to ensure it rigorously covers safety standards, and so far no applications have been submitted, he said.

According to Statistics Canada, the North American country closed the year 2015 with 35,851,800 inhabitants, and according to the 2011 census, when it had 29.6 million inhabitants, 579,640 of them, or 1 95 percent were Muslims.

The Islamic hijab now joins the turban which identifies men of the Sikh religion – widespread particularly in India – and who obtained the right to wear this garment in 1990.

Bardsley, spokesperson for the Canadian Department of Public Safety, recalled that before the RPMC, the police forces of Toronto and Edmonton had authorized the wearing of the hijab.

In addition, several groups in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway, as well as certain entities in the United States also allow it.

The Canadian Armed Forces also allows the hijab. In 1996, the late Commander Wafa Dabbagh became the first Canadian military officer to be authorized to wear the garment.

Since 2001, the Canadian Armed Forces dress manual has specified that the hijab can be worn, although certain safety conditions are respected.